Which is the most popular engine in the Volkswagen Passat?

Overwhelmingly, customers prefer the diesel engines in the Passat. These engines provide the absolute best compromise in terms of ample performance with excellent fuel economy.

What are the most popular trim levels?

With new Passat models, Volkswagen offers three trims: Life, Elegance and R-Line. Of these three, the R-Line has been among the most popular, likely because of its unique styling features and upgraded sportiness. These are very easy to find on the used market as a result. Older GT and SE models have also proved popular among Passat drivers.

What optional extras should I look out for?

The tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof is a desirable option, giving a roomier feel to the cabin. There's also a Black Styling Pack available with the R-Line, giving it a sleek and unique appearance on the road.

Is the Volkswagen Passat a good family car?

With plenty of space, four doors and a big boot, the Passat is a great family car. It's comfortable, safe and packed full of technology features, too.

Is there a hybrid version of the Volkswagen Passat?

There is a hybrid version of the Passat, known as the GTE. It features a 1.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor to create a combined 218bhp and an electric-only driving range of up to 31 miles, after which it automatically switches to petrol/electric hybrid power, allowing you to continue your journey.

Is the Volkswagen Passat available as an automatic?

Volkswagen has offered the Passat with a choice of an automatic or a manual gearbox, and both are plentiful on the used market.

Is there a four-wheel drive version available?

Most Passat models have been built with front-wheel drive. There were some made with four-wheel drive, but they are difficult to find on the used market. Look for models badged as "4MOTION" - this is Volkswagen speak for all-wheel drive.

891 Used Volkswagen Passat cars for sale

Volkswagen Passat2009 (59) - 2.0 BlueMotion 2 TDI CR DPF 110 4dr

£1,295

2L
158.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Great yarmouth car sales

01493807050 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 - 2.0 Passat Alltrack TDI BlueMotion Technology 4Motion 4WD 5dr

Reduced

£7,575

£147/pm (HP)

2L
99.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

RallySport Automotive Limited

01206489764 *

Volkswagen Passat2024 (74) - 1.5 TSI (204ps) R-Line eHybrid DSG 5-Door

Reduced

£34,990

1.5L
9.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Hedge End

01489661105 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - GTE Advance 1.4 TSI 218PS 6-speed DSG 5 Door Automatic

£14,068

1.4L
73.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2025 (25) - 1.5 TSI eHybrid 272 R-Line 5dr DSG

£53,990

1.5L
5.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Evesham

01386571259 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 (25) - 1.5 TSI eHybrid 272 R-Line 5dr DSG

Reduced

£51,490

1.5L
3.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Listers Volkswagen Evesham

01386571259 *

Volkswagen Passat2013 - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Highline 4-Door

£2,795

2L
150.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Wilmot Service Station

01332325483 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£27,999

£420/pm (PCP)

1.5L
9.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Burnley

01282504324 *

Volkswagen Passat2021 - 1.4 TSI PHEV GTE 5dr DSG

£17,698

1.4L
53.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Arnold Clark Peugeot/SEAT/Cupra/Skoda (Edinburgh)

01312025128 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2015 (15) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,400

2L
134.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Mayfair Motors

01164029071 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Executive Style Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 5 (s/

Low Mileage

£8,900

£177/pm (HP)

2L
63.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Hammond Cars Norwich

01603937224 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2012 (12) - 1.6 TDI Bluemotion Tech SE 4dr

£2,450

1.6L
166.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

AutoLine

01212728555 *

Volkswagen Passat2020 - 1.5 TSI EVO R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£11,750

£240/pm (HP)

1.5L
75.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Jonathan Dawson Car Sales Ltd

01134676315 *

Volkswagen Passat2017 (17) - 2.0 TDI R-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£11,790

£241/pm (HP)

2L
77.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Central Car Sales Ltd

01733977746 *

Volkswagen Passat2014 (64) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech S Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr

Reduced

£6,895

£132/pm (HP)

1.6L
36.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

SARREN LTD

01332316454 *

Volkswagen Passat2022 (72) - 1.5 TSI EVO SEL DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£17,399

£293/pm (PCP)

1.5L
53.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Sandles Car Supermarket

01553601835 *

4.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen Passat2016 - 2.0 TDI GT 4dr FULL SERVICE HISTORY

£5,995

2L
134.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Speedway Garage Gunness Limited

01724514211 *

Volkswagen Passat2025 - 1.5 TSI eHybrid Life 5dr DSG

£28,499

£426/pm (PCP)

1.5L
5.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Motorpoint Birmingham

01217525223 *

Volkswagen Passat2018 (68) - 2.0 TDI GT Estate 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

£12,999

£268/pm (HP)

2L
85.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

Volkswagen Passat2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 R-Line 4dr DSG [Panoramic Roof]

£13,610

1.5L
60.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Evans Halshaw Ford Bedford

01234987593 *

Why buy a used Volkswagen Passat?

If you're in the market for a car that's practical, comfortable on long drives and has a spacious interior, then a used Volkswagen Passat is a great choice. As one of the UK's top-selling cars, the Passat is an excellent motorway cruiser filled with modern technology and features. With several different bodystyles and efficient engines, it's not difficult to find a used Passat that meets your everyday motoring needs.

Used Volkswagen Passat snapshot review

Author: Jack Evans

View profile

Pros

Excellent cruiser
Efficient diesel engines
Spacious design

Cons

Saloon can be impractical
Plain design
Rivals are better to drive

Read our Volkswagen Passat review

Volkswagen Passat video review

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Used Volkswagen Passat buying guide

Engines and transmissions

Volkswagen has built the Passat with petrol, diesel and mild-hybrid powerplants. These have been paired with an automatic or manual gearbox and front- or all-wheel drive.

Petrol

1.5 eTSI outputs 147bhp for a 9.2-second 0-62mph time and an efficiency rating of 51.8mpg.
Older 1.4-litre turbocharged engine generates either 123bhp or 148bhp.
An older 1.8-litre turbocharged engine produces 177bhp, and there's also been a top-performing 2.0-litre outputting 217bhp.
Plug-in GTE version has a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined 218bhp and an electric-only driving range of up to 31 miles.

Diesel

Older 1.6-litre engine produces 118bhp with an efficiency rating of 76.3mpg.
2.0-litre option increases output to 148bhp or 187bhp offering a rating of up to 67.3mpg. These are the most popular engine choices.
2.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine generates 237bhp.

Practicality

Bigger than the Golf and Beetle, the Volkswagen Passat is a practical family car with plenty of space for people and cargo.

Interior space

Adjustable steering wheel and driver's seat allow for the best position, while the massaging feature offers more comfort on long drives.
Rear seat headroom and legroom adequate for tall adults.
ISOFIX mounting points have flip-up covers over them for protection.

Boot space

690-litre boot is more than the average of 500 litres for most cars in this segment.
Putting down the rear seats increases space to 1,920 litres.
Bumper is low to the ground and there's no boot lip to contend with.

Bodystyles

Estate model is still available with a longer body for added space.
Saloon was recently discontinued.
Other variants were inspired by the Passat, including the four-door coupé known as the CC, and the rugged version known as the Alltrack.

Safety

2014 Euro NCAP rating gives the Passat five stars.
Child occupant rating sits at 87%, with adult occupant earning 85%.
Standard safety kit includes adaptive cruise control and automatic parking for more confidence.

Technology

Large 12.9-inch touchscreen display is the focal point of the dashboard.
High-resolution 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro system is easy to view.
Available Premium sound systems are available to provide more audio clarity and enjoyment.

Buying a used car checklist: what to look for

Buying a used car can be a daunting task, but with our checklist, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

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